What's the career path to becoming a high school English teacher?

I'm super passionate about English and am thinking about becoming a high school English teacher. What steps do I need to take, especially regarding college degrees and certifications?

Your desire to become a high school English teacher is commendable. Let's walk through the general career path:

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree: The first step is to earn a bachelor's degree. Most aspiring English teachers complete a degree in English or in a related field. During this time, you would immerse yourself in literature, composition, and creative writing. Some colleges also offer a Bachelor's in Education degree with a focus on English.

2. Complete a Teacher Preparation Program: In order to teach in most public schools, including high schools, you need to complete a teacher preparation program. This is often included in an education major, or it can be pursued as a separate degree, such as a Masters in Education, after you obtain your bachelor's. This program will include coursework on teaching methods and pedagogy, as well as student teaching experiences for hands-on practice.

3. Get Certified or Licensed: After the teacher preparation program, you'll need to become certified or licensed to teach in your specific state. Every state has different requirements, but most require you to pass a series of tests that demonstrate your proficiency in the subject you wish to teach (in your case, English) and your pedagogical skills. Some states may have additional requirements like a background check.

4. Gain Experience through Student Teaching: As part of your teacher preparation program, you'll likely complete a student teaching practicum. This is a crucial step—you'll learn hands-on, under the guidance of an experienced teacher. These placements can sometimes lead to full-time job offers.

5. Apply for Teaching Positions: After certification, you're ready to apply for teaching positions. Schools often hire new teachers at the beginning of the school year, so keep an eye on job postings starting in the spring.

6. Consider a Master's Degree: A master's degree, such as a Master's in Education or Master's in English, can give you an edge in the job market and potentially lead to a higher salary. Some school districts may even require it after a certain number of years of teaching.

Remember that the steps may vary depending on your location and the specific requirements of different school districts. Be sure to research the education requirements in your state to fully understand the process.